DISABLED participants in a special arts project drew back the curtain on their first creation at its launch yesterday.

Members of Scope on Teesside unveiled a Millennium Window at their base in Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, to signal the start of Cleveland Arts' New Reality Festival.

Designed to draw attention to the talents and achievements of disabled people from all over the region, the event has won cash support from the National Millennium Fund.

The Scope members were proud to show off the stained glass creation, which they have been working on since the summer with the help of professional artist Ian Lister.

They also modelled the festival T-shirt designed by some of the group.

Luke Harding, a programme manager for Cleveland Arts, said: "The opportunities to access arts opportunities are often limited for people with disabilities.

"We are showcasing work that has been produced by disabled people, that reflects disabled issues."